CapitolFax.com: The governor of Chicago *** UPDATED x1 ***
Levois
· 1 year ago
How does one take a job and then not know what it takes to do the job or at least fails to learn anything?
S. Illinois
· 1 year ago
Levois - Blagojevich sees the priorities of the job much differently than most of the electorate.
Concerned Voter
· 1 year ago
Levois, I don't know the answer to that one. Wait, let's ask Rod at his next press conference. As well as the gas station appearance went, I'm sure he can't wait to get out and press the flesh again.
Vote Quimby!
· 1 year ago
This was only a stepping-stone office on Rod's way to the White House! Remember?
Shelbyville
· 1 year ago
“He’s not a sociopath.â€
Another good quote for a tee shirt. OUR GOVERNOR IS NOT A SOCIOPATH! I tell you with quotes like that, no one needs to make up anything,
problem
· 1 year ago
The state does have direct oversight of all gas stations. They just delegate inspections in Chicago to the city.
If the state received a complaint about a chicago station, or wanted to check it, they could inspect it directly.
They don't to save money and overlap, but they could.
I would ask the Chicago reporters if they would have traveled to a suburb to cover the story. Most won't send crews outside of the city. That is more likely the reason for the location.
Blame the game, not the player.
Fan of the Game
· 1 year ago
There is plenty of blame to place upon the player. Plenty.
wordslinger
· 1 year ago
The whole premise behind the press conference was another example of narcissistic gubernatorial surrealism. No one thinks the pumps are rigged; how he thought he would get any populist bump out of this is bizarre.
He threw down the gauntlet, though, with that particular media gaggle. They're not going to forget how they rattled him and will try to do it again and again. That's entertainment.
Anon
· 1 year ago
Did the dead guy he pardoned have his voting franchise restored for the upcoming election?
A Citizen
· 1 year ago
* Quote of the week: “Let me tell you something, I know the truth of things and I have nothing to fear but the truth, OK?†- Rod Blagojevich at the 22:09 mark. This IS the t-shirt to end all!
Ghost
· 1 year ago
In all fairness to the Gov on this bit: "In the summer of 2001, Rod Blagojevich appeared at an Amoco station at Clark and LaSalle to launch his campaign for governor by complaining about gas selling for $1.99 and charge that the Republicans who’d run the state hadn’t done enough. He said a Blagojevich administration would do better." Blago has done substantially better, the price of gas has more then doubled from that mere 1.99. And since the State gas tax is based on a percentage of the sale price the State is making a lot more money from gas sales. Thus, the Gov kept his pledge to do a lot better on the price of gas - he has managed to see it more then double under his watch.
On a side not, the treasurers incetive program fo hybrid sales seems an even better idea today then when he launched it. Time to dust it off and re-announce it to the public.
OneManBlog
· 1 year ago
I think I have my first suggestion for the Special Sessions in Hell 2008 T-Shirt..
He’s not a sociopath Let's see how I can work Obama into this. Investigation, I am under no stinkin investigation Ok, perhaps a little bit of a sociopath
anon
· 1 year ago
After listening to the audio of the repartee between the Governor and the reporters, I felt the reporters were spiralling into some unprofessional debating (maybe baiting, too). They seemed to get off-message and pursue a non-productive line of questioning to the point of becoming personally involved. It was an embarrassmment for both sides.
Phineas J. Whoopee
· 1 year ago
He also issued a press release that the state flags will be flown at half staff for Chicago Officer Francis, which is nice, but it seemed strange to have the State issue the presser and not the City. Maybe he thinks he's Mayor?
Rich Miller
· 1 year ago
anon, I don't disagree.
GoBearsss
· 1 year ago
Regarding your update -
There is a stark difference between a putting your name on materials for something you did/created, and just putting your name on a bumper sticker as a promotional tool just for yourself.
Ethics and ethics laws recognize that difference.
Rich Miller
· 1 year ago
===There is a stark difference between a putting your name on materials for something you did/created, and just putting your name on a bumper sticker as a promotional tool just for yourself.===
Um, you mean like the "Welcome to Illinois" signs?
S. Illinois
· 1 year ago
...or the open road tolling that was started by George Ryan?
Ghost
· 1 year ago
The ethics law may recognize that difference, but I would not say ethics do. Then again the Gov has a number of ethics bills he is sitting on so he can shape or use the ethics law to skirt actuall ethics.
BTW Rich you owe me a new KB. Your comment caused the uncontrollale release of the coffee I was trying to consume.
On the Road Again....
· 1 year ago
He should move some departments within IDOT to other areas of the state when it makes sense. Example, IDOT has a department that deals with Small Businesses and certifies them as minority and female owned, well more than half are based in the Chicagoland area. So if there is a problem or question regarding certification the small business has to drive 4 hours to Springfield to address questions or concerns. That doesn’t make sense especially since most of your small businesses cannot afford to miss a productive day without pay to attend a meeting 4 hours away. There should at a minimum be a satellite office to certify these firms or the possibility of outsourcing the certification process to save the taxpayers millions of dollars.
BandCamp
· 1 year ago
Rich/anon, to the defense (somewhat) of the reporters with regard to their demeanor as to their questions to the Governor...
As we have seen (and heard) over the past few years of his administration, the Gov is simply not receptive to reporters questions on the issues. These same reporters, in my opinion, did what most of us do sometimes: act in a human nature. They are frustrated, and yes, they have ammo (bait) for the Gov now because of the fed probe.
I agree w/anon, however, I don't blame the reporters for behaving the way they did. Mob mentality, for sure, ruled the day during those questions aimed at the Gov's involvement (or lack of) in the federal investigation.
Sometimes you get treated the way you treat others. God works quick.
Vote Quimby!
· 1 year ago
To OTRA: IDOT does indeed have a satellite office for DBEs in East St. Louis.... I find it hard to believe that (a) there's not such a location in the Chicago area and (b) that an issue arises that a business owner would actually have to appear in Springfield...not with mail, fax and email options.
Gregor
· 1 year ago
I can't be too hard on the hectoring reporters. The governor remains unresponsive. He only wants to use the press and have them passively repeat to the public, word for word, his canned statements, without question. You don't get that luxury here, Rod.
A free press means that if you throw a press event to make statements, you must also take questions. Meaning you should probably study some facts or consult an expert so you have a good answer ready. And if you don't answer the questions, they are going to ask them again until you make some kind of answer. Get over it, and get over yourself. Trying to change the subject or distract by insulting the reporters will not deflect a trained professional.
Rod is just mad that he can't manipulate reporters as easily as the sheep that watch his campaign commercials or read the printed propaganda with his name plastered all over it. Boo freaking hoo.
puzzler
· 1 year ago
I agree with the Governor. He is not a sociopath. He just isn't very bright and is in way over his head in a job he never would have had if he hadn't married well.
Downstater
· 1 year ago
I agree with Puzzler, after more than 5 years one would think the governor would know how to do his job. I blame the Illinois Democratic party for making Blago their poster boy after the Ryan fiasco and I blame the voters who reelected him and knew that he was incapable of being an effective governor.
DumberThanUThink
· 1 year ago
Hey Downstater ---- don't blame the Ds. They were to keep the GOP tradition alive until you served up another right and then the AccordianGal. Just blames yourselves
Lurker
· 1 year ago
That raw video is priceless. Who was the guy with the chewing gum standing behind Rod, trying to pull him away. Was it one of his flaks?
And that Ben Bradley's a looker!
DumberThanUThink
· 1 year ago
Bradley a looker ---- maybe that is Blagoof huddled next to the SUV?????
BTW after listening to a bunch of versions I seemed to have missed Blagoof, the AG guys or the vaunted the Chicago press corp ask or answer: 1. Is shorting the gas buyer a big problemo? 2. How many short selling fines have been handed out this month, this week, this year? 3. What do the inspectors do before the DefCon 5 Alert presser. 4. Are you doing this cause Daley's guys are dozing and he refuses to give $500 million for a casino?
He Makes Ryan Look Like a Sain
· 1 year ago
Staffers need to get a hold of him. As the pressure builds as the Feds get closer, he is going to really explode. They were wrong for putting him in this situation. It is time to put him in the bunker and stay out of the public.
On the Road Again....
· 1 year ago
To: Vote Quimby, Obviously you have not tried to get certified with IDOT or you would know that it probably takes anywhere from 6-9 months to get certified. Also, if most of the firms that are getting certified are based in the Chicagoland area, why have the certification HQ 4 hours south of the greatest concentration of your clients you are supposed to be serving? It would save the tax payers millions of dollars if you privatized the certification process and would streamline the certification process by half thus allowing minorities and females an opportunity to work on state projects.
GA Watcher
· 1 year ago
Lurker: That was Lucio Guerrero, the Guv's new Spinmaster.
Lurker
· 1 year ago
Thanks, GA. That's what I thought.
DumberThanUThink
· 1 year ago
O.K. Students let's do a quick review: Profile of the Sociopath This website summarizes some of the common features of descriptions of the behavior of sociopaths.
Glibness and Superficial Charm
Manipulative and Conning They never recognize the rights of others and see their self-serving behaviors as permissible. They appear to be charming, yet are covertly hostile and domineering, seeing their victim as merely an instrument to be used. They may dominate and humiliate their victims.
Grandiose Sense of Self Feels entitled to certain things as "their right."
Pathological Lying Has no problem lying coolly and easily and it is almost impossible for them to be truthful on a consistent basis. Can create, and get caught up in, a complex belief about their own powers and abilities. Extremely convincing and even able to pass lie detector tests.
Lack of Remorse, Shame or Guilt A deep seated rage, which is split off and repressed, is at their core. Does not see others around them as people, but only as targets and opportunities. Instead of friends, they have victims and accomplices who end up as victims. The end always justifies the means and they let nothing stand in their way.
Shallow Emotions When they show what seems to be warmth, joy, love and compassion it is more feigned than experienced and serves an ulterior motive. Outraged by insignificant matters, yet remaining unmoved and cold by what would upset a normal person. Since they are not genuine, neither are their promises.
Incapacity for Love
Need for Stimulation Living on the edge. Verbal outbursts and physical punishments are normal. Promiscuity and gambling are common.
Callousness/Lack of Empathy Unable to empathize with the pain of their victims, having only contempt for others' feelings of distress and readily taking advantage of them.
Poor Behavioral Controls/Impulsive Nature Rage and abuse, alternating with small expressions of love and approval produce an addictive cycle for abuser and abused, as well as creating hopelessness in the victim. Believe they are all-powerful, all-knowing, entitled to every wish, no sense of personal boundaries, no concern for their impact on others.
Early Behavior Problems/Juvenile Delinquency Usually has a history of behavioral and academic difficulties, yet "gets by" by conning others. Problems in making and keeping friends; aberrant behaviors such as cruelty to people or animals, stealing, etc.
Irresponsibility/Unreliability Not concerned about wrecking others' lives and dreams. Oblivious or indifferent to the devastation they cause. Does not accept blame themselves, but blames others, even for acts they obviously committed.
Promiscuous Sexual Behavior/Infidelity Promiscuity, child sexual abuse, rape and sexual acting out of all sorts.
Lack of Realistic Life Plan/Parasitic Lifestyle Tends to move around a lot or makes all encompassing promises for the future, poor work ethic but exploits others effectively.
Criminal or Entrepreneurial Versatility Changes their image as needed to avoid prosecution. Changes life story readily.
Contemptuous of those who seek to understand them Does not perceive that anything is wrong with them Authoritarian Secretive Paranoid Only rarely in difficulty with the law, but seeks out situations where their tyrannical behavior will be tolerated, condoned, or admired Conventional appearance Goal of enslavement of their victim(s) Exercises despotic control over every aspect of the victim's life Has an emotional need to justify their crimes and therefore needs their victim's affirmation (respect, gratitude and love) Ultimate goal is the creation of a willing victim Incapable of real human attachment to another Unable to feel remorse or guilt Extreme narcissism and grandiose May state readily that their goal is to rule the world
(The above traits are based on the psychopathy checklists of H. Cleckley and R. Hare.)
Ghost
· 1 year ago
OTRA your analysis has a few non-seqitors. If the majority who get certified are in Chicago, but certification is all by mail, then the location for processing is irrelevant.
Privatizing it saves millions how? you argue that the operation should be moved to the most costly portion of the State in terms of employee salaries, buying/renting space, paying for office supplies etc, but then say the State needs to save money on the process (by the unrelate conclusion of privatizing it).
How about this, put the office Donwstae where the overhead is a lot lower since the process does not require in person contact. This saves the State and taxpayers money by reducing the cost of the operation.
The worst place for the State to operate its acitvites is Chicago, the overhead cost to taxpayers and those useing State services is substrantialy higher in Chicago.
Crystal Clear
· 1 year ago
Check out this press release for the 2003 Ethics law:
“The focus of a Public Service Announcement should be on the message of the announcement, not the politician promoting the message. If you want to serve in government, focus on government. If you want to appear in commercials, take up acting,†Blagojevich said.
Crystal Clear
· 1 year ago
If you want a real laugh on that press release, listen to the attached audio. It is a hoot.
Wacker Drive
· 1 year ago
Check out the vein popping out Rod's neck during that interview. WOW! Talk about a compulsive liar.
IDOT Engineer
· 1 year ago
OTRA & Quimby - IDOT has a full-time satellite Small Business Enterprises office at 900 South Des Plaines Street in Chicago and has had for several years.
Sheryl
· 1 year ago
Blagojevich has bigger problems than worrying about the gas pumps being accurate. Another " I'm worried about the people press conference", give us a break. Just answer the questions Rod.
Gregor
· 1 year ago
Crystal Clear: How do you think he likes eating those words now? They are just one quote of many he will get to gnaw on when the hammer falls.
Cougar
· 1 year ago
Did anyone else think that the station owner could have been Tony Resko's twin??? Why would you pick that location!!
Gas pumps
· 1 year ago
State law requires pumps to be checked once per year. Look at Ag's stats for last few years-more like 80 percent checked because they can't hire inspectors because of Gov's office refusal to fill empty positions.
All Comments
Another good quote for a tee shirt. OUR GOVERNOR IS NOT A SOCIOPATH! I tell you with quotes like that, no one needs to make up anything,
If the state received a complaint about a chicago station, or wanted to check it, they could inspect it directly.
They don't to save money and overlap, but they could.
I would ask the Chicago reporters if they would have traveled to a suburb to cover the story. Most won't send crews outside of the city. That is more likely the reason for the location.
Blame the game, not the player.
He threw down the gauntlet, though, with that particular media gaggle. They're not going to forget how they rattled him and will try to do it again and again. That's entertainment.
This IS the t-shirt to end all!
On a side not, the treasurers incetive program fo hybrid sales seems an even better idea today then when he launched it. Time to dust it off and re-announce it to the public.
Special Sessions in Hell 2008 T-Shirt..
He’s not a sociopath
Let's see how I can work Obama into this.
Investigation, I am under no stinkin investigation
Ok, perhaps a little bit of a sociopath
There is a stark difference between a putting your name on materials for something you did/created, and just putting your name on a bumper sticker as a promotional tool just for yourself.
Ethics and ethics laws recognize that difference.
Um, you mean like the "Welcome to Illinois" signs?
BTW Rich you owe me a new KB. Your comment caused the uncontrollale release of the coffee I was trying to consume.
As we have seen (and heard) over the past few years of his administration, the Gov is simply not receptive to reporters questions on the issues. These same reporters, in my opinion, did what most of us do sometimes: act in a human nature. They are frustrated, and yes, they have ammo (bait) for the Gov now because of the fed probe.
I agree w/anon, however, I don't blame the reporters for behaving the way they did. Mob mentality, for sure, ruled the day during those questions aimed at the Gov's involvement (or lack of) in the federal investigation.
Sometimes you get treated the way you treat others. God works quick.
A free press means that if you throw a press event to make statements, you must also take questions. Meaning you should probably study some facts or consult an expert so you have a good answer ready. And if you don't answer the questions, they are going to ask them again until you make some kind of answer. Get over it, and get over yourself. Trying to change the subject or distract by insulting the reporters will not deflect a trained professional.
Rod is just mad that he can't manipulate reporters as easily as the sheep that watch his campaign commercials or read the printed propaganda with his name plastered all over it. Boo freaking hoo.
And that Ben Bradley's a looker!
BTW after listening to a bunch of versions I seemed to have missed Blagoof, the AG guys or the vaunted the Chicago press corp ask or answer:
1. Is shorting the gas buyer a big problemo?
2. How many short selling fines have been handed out this month, this week, this year?
3. What do the inspectors do before the DefCon 5 Alert presser.
4. Are you doing this cause Daley's guys are dozing and he refuses to give $500 million for a casino?
Obviously you have not tried to get certified with IDOT or you would know that it probably takes anywhere from 6-9 months to get certified. Also, if most of the firms that are getting certified are based in the Chicagoland area, why have the certification HQ 4 hours south of the greatest concentration of your clients you are supposed to be serving? It would save the tax payers millions of dollars if you privatized the certification process and would streamline the certification process by half thus allowing minorities and females an opportunity to work on state projects.
That was Lucio Guerrero, the Guv's new Spinmaster.
Profile of the Sociopath
This website summarizes some of the common features of descriptions of the behavior of sociopaths.
Glibness and Superficial Charm
Manipulative and Conning
They never recognize the rights of others and see their self-serving behaviors as permissible. They appear to be charming, yet are covertly hostile and domineering, seeing their victim as merely an instrument to be used. They may dominate and humiliate their victims.
Grandiose Sense of Self
Feels entitled to certain things as "their right."
Pathological Lying
Has no problem lying coolly and easily and it is almost impossible for them to be truthful on a consistent basis. Can create, and get caught up in, a complex belief about their own powers and abilities. Extremely convincing and even able to pass lie detector tests.
Lack of Remorse, Shame or Guilt
A deep seated rage, which is split off and repressed, is at their core. Does not see others around them as people, but only as targets and opportunities. Instead of friends, they have victims and accomplices who end up as victims. The end always justifies the means and they let nothing stand in their way.
Shallow Emotions
When they show what seems to be warmth, joy, love and compassion it is more feigned than experienced and serves an ulterior motive. Outraged by insignificant matters, yet remaining unmoved and cold by what would upset a normal person. Since they are not genuine, neither are their promises.
Incapacity for Love
Need for Stimulation
Living on the edge. Verbal outbursts and physical punishments are normal. Promiscuity and gambling are common.
Callousness/Lack of Empathy
Unable to empathize with the pain of their victims, having only contempt for others' feelings of distress and readily taking advantage of them.
Poor Behavioral Controls/Impulsive Nature
Rage and abuse, alternating with small expressions of love and approval produce an addictive cycle for abuser and abused, as well as creating hopelessness in the victim. Believe they are all-powerful, all-knowing, entitled to every wish, no sense of personal boundaries, no concern for their impact on others.
Early Behavior Problems/Juvenile Delinquency
Usually has a history of behavioral and academic difficulties, yet "gets by" by conning others. Problems in making and keeping friends; aberrant behaviors such as cruelty to people or animals, stealing, etc.
Irresponsibility/Unreliability
Not concerned about wrecking others' lives and dreams. Oblivious or indifferent to the devastation they cause. Does not accept blame themselves, but blames others, even for acts they obviously committed.
Promiscuous Sexual Behavior/Infidelity
Promiscuity, child sexual abuse, rape and sexual acting out of all sorts.
Lack of Realistic Life Plan/Parasitic Lifestyle
Tends to move around a lot or makes all encompassing promises for the future, poor work ethic but exploits others effectively.
Criminal or Entrepreneurial Versatility
Changes their image as needed to avoid prosecution. Changes life story readily.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Related Qualities:
Contemptuous of those who seek to understand them
Does not perceive that anything is wrong with them
Authoritarian
Secretive
Paranoid
Only rarely in difficulty with the law, but seeks out situations where their tyrannical behavior will be tolerated, condoned, or admired
Conventional appearance
Goal of enslavement of their victim(s)
Exercises despotic control over every aspect of the victim's life
Has an emotional need to justify their crimes and therefore needs their victim's affirmation (respect, gratitude and love)
Ultimate goal is the creation of a willing victim
Incapable of real human attachment to another
Unable to feel remorse or guilt
Extreme narcissism and grandiose
May state readily that their goal is to rule the world
(The above traits are based on the psychopathy checklists of H. Cleckley and R. Hare.)
Privatizing it saves millions how? you argue that the operation should be moved to the most costly portion of the State in terms of employee salaries, buying/renting space, paying for office supplies etc, but then say the State needs to save money on the process (by the unrelate conclusion of privatizing it).
How about this, put the office Donwstae where the overhead is a lot lower since the process does not require in person contact. This saves the State and taxpayers money by reducing the cost of the operation.
The worst place for the State to operate its acitvites is Chicago, the overhead cost to taxpayers and those useing State services is substrantialy higher in Chicago.
http://www.illinois.gov/PressReleases/PressRele...
Check out this quote, I love it.
“The focus of a Public Service Announcement should be on the message of the announcement, not the politician promoting the message. If you want to serve in government, focus on government. If you want to appear in commercials, take up acting,†Blagojevich said.
Talk about a compulsive liar.
Just answer the questions Rod.
They are just one quote of many he will get to gnaw on when the hammer falls.